The Olympic Korean Presbyterian Christian Reformed Church in Los Angeles, Calif., was started in 1992 in the wake of the Los Angeles race riots. The church was determined to help the hurting Korean-American people who suffered in those days. It started with its motto: Making Happy Families and Happy Communities.
On June 18, 2017, the church celebrated with its 25th Sharing Happiness Festival with a thanksgiving worship service. In the service, members gave thanks to the Lord, and glorified God with all neighboring communities at the new church location in the center of Koreatown.
Senior pastor Rev. Jang S. Chung said it is all God’s grace, that the “God of Ebenezer” (1 Samuel 7:12-14) was there for a time like this. “I want to say thanks to all people, especially all the dedicated church members.”
In current Koreatown, Chung said many people want to come back to churches, even some people hurt by the churches. “There are still many unbelievers, approximately the 40 percent who don’t meet Jesus as their Savior in the Koreatown society,” he said. “ So let’s keep them first priority in our hearts, and continue praying for them [to share] our ultimate happiness in Jesus Christ.”
In preparation for Chung’s retirement, the church has planned and started together a co-ministry with a next generation bilingual pastor Tae S. Kwon as co-pastor.
About the Author
Jonathan Kim is a CRC pastor of Ye-Eun Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California. He writes news for The Banner and lives in North Hills, California.